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Vrede en Lust is a real-world wonderland and is the latest winner of Kfm 94.5’s Best of the Cape Awards.

Founded more than 300 years ago, the farm is an ode to standing the test of time. Today, this breathtakingly modern wine farm – a family-owned and managed wine business – is a tribute to its noble roots and continues to build on years of history and heritage.

Picture: Vrede en Lust

A Winelands gem that oozes romance at every point, Vrede en Lust’s views are stunning, featuring rolling green lawns, vineyards, and historical Cape Dutch architecture – the perfect backdrop for a stunning wedding ceremony.

Picture: Vrede en Lust

After enjoying pre-drinks in the garden, guests can make their way to the Vineyard Terrace. Here, surrounded by frameless glass walls and doused in natural light, couples say I do. A stunning start to forever.

Picture: Vrede en Lust
Picture: Vrede en Lust

Leading up to your big day, Vrede en Lust’s talented team of wedding coordinators will be sure to check all of your dream day boxes. From pre-planning to world-class catering on the day and fabulous accommodation in which to stay after, Vrede en Lust provides the full wedding monty. And it’s all exclusive and customisable, of course.

Picture: Vrede en Lust

Planning a wedding on any scale is no walk in the vineyards. This is what makes Vrede en Lust’s Wedding Venue offerings so spectacular.

Offerings include: 

  • A picturesque venue with historical Cape Dutch architecture and undulating vineyards.
  • A wedding venue enclosed with glass walls.
  • A beautiful ceremony and pre-drinks in the gardens.
  • Seating for up to 120 people, with a dance floor inside. Or, up to 150 guests with a dance floor outside (weather permitting).
  • There’s accommodation for up to 40 guests on the estate within walking distance from the wedding venue.
  • Access to exclusive use of the wedding venue and accommodation section of the farm by the bridal couple and their guests for the duration of their stay.
  • Catering by Lust Bistro and Bakery – delicious!

The Vineyard Terrace:

  • The Vineyard terrace offers spectacular views with a total of 300sqm outdoor floor space, surrounded by frameless glass (250sqm covered by a permanent roof structure).
  • The historic cellar covers more than 300sqm, with a permanent kitchen and toilets.
  • The venue is backed by generator power to ensure no loss of electricity at any time. Cheers, Eskom.

The good folks at Vrede en Lust welcome you to visit the venue and discuss your requirements with their incredible wedding coordinators.

  • Contact VNL Coordinators: 021 874 1611 (during business hours, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm) or email [email protected].

Vrede en Lust’s Details: 

  • Website: www.vnl.co.za
  • Location: Intersection R45 & Klapmuts Road, Simondium, Western Cape.

The finalists in this category were: 

Feature image: Vrede en Rust

After nearly two years of staying indoors and not enjoying the wonders of travel, heading to your favourite destination to get married is back on the table!

While many brides and grooms are grabbing their passports and jetting off to tropical destinations such as Mauritius and Bali, there are a few out there that prefer a different climate.

Luxury travel company Red Savannah recently launched an incredible package for winter-loving bridal couples looking to say “I do” in the remote destination of Antarctica.

The price tag? A cool R4 million!

Yup, we’re living in a post-pandemic world and weddings appear to be that expensive.

The hefty price tag includes return flights from South Africa to Antarctica, accommodations for the soon-to-be newlyweds and the wedding party, beverages, food and activities. The big day will start with a breakfast on ice, followed by the cake-cutting ceremony and champagne in the snow lounge.

While you may think that R4 million may be more than enough to accommodate a whole host of guests, a maximum of 12 wedding guests are allowed to watch you step into newlywed bliss.

Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a white dessert party – yum!

Additional costs are the “wedding gift registry” which will be a pledge of $1000 (R16 600) per person. This will be used for conservation efforts in Antarctica.

If you’re interested, you’ll be happy to know that there is one flight that leaves Cape Town and will take five hours to arrive at the icy destination.

Feature Image: Brides Without Borders 

It’s wedding season, which means venues are getting calls from brides and grooms all over South Africa. But where to book your big day?

A new study is spilling the tea on the most popular wedding venues around the world, collecting data from TripAdvisor and Instagram.

The wedding financial experts at money.co.uk analysed TripAdvisor to reveal the venues with the most mentions of ‘weddings’ in their reviews and then used Instagram data to discover which ones have been shared the most on the platform and ranked them from highest to lowest.

The data has since revealed the most popular venues in the UK, Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

So, just which South African venues made the cut?

The Oyster Box in Durban takes the number one spot with nearly 8000 Instagram hashtags and over 100 mentions on TripAdvisor. Avianto in Johannesburg comes in at number two, while Cape Town’s Cavalli Estate swoops in at number.

Here’s a look at other incredible wedding venues: 

If you’re planning a destination wedding and looking for the full list, check it out here. Otherwise, here’s a closer look at what makes these venues so special:

The Oyster Box 

 

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Avianto 

 

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Cavalli Estate

 

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You’re on the hunt for the perfect wedding venue in Cape Town but don’t know where to start? With so many incredible venues to choose from in the Western Cape, it can be a tough choice to make. But don’t fret, we have you covered.

Here are six Cape Town wedding venues we can’t get enough of right now:

Nitida Wine Farm 

Picture: Nitida Wine Farm

Why we love it: 

Nestled along the Durbanville Wine Route, this dreamy wedding venue provides an intimate setting for bridal couples looking for something quaint. Gorgeous views of the Cassia dam and the rolling vineyards aren’t too bad either for those all-important wedding pictures.

  • Location: Durbanville, Western Cape
  • Contact: 021 976 0640

Belair Pavillion 

wedding venues cape town
Picture: Belair Pavillion / Instagram

Why we love it: 

If you’re looking for that WOW factor, then look no further than this exquisite venue in the heart of Paarl. The award-winning venue offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape and a light and airy space with which to soak it all in.

  • Location: Suid-Agter-Paarl Road, Paarl
  • Contact: 083 987 2264

Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate

Picture: Grande Provence

Why we love it: 

Is there anything more romantic than a French-inspired wedding venue? Perhaps there is, but there’s nothing wrong with pretending you’re in the South of France. Grande Provence in Franschhoek offers bridal couples a beautiful blend of romance, elegance and lush greenery with a restaurant on-site to help you whip up something delicious for your guests.

  • Location: Main Road, Franschhoek
  • Contact: 021 876 8600

Blaauwklippen Wine Estate

Picture: Blaauwklippen Wine Estate

Why we love it: 

It’s not just the good food and wine Blaauwklippen is renowned for, it also offers a magical wedding venue for bridal couples looking for something their guests will never forget. The venue is a custom-designed glass structure – the perfect setting for dancing under the moonlight or watching the sun dip behind the Stellenbosch mountains.

  • Location: Strand Road, Route 44 Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch
  • Contact: 021 880 0133

Die Woud

Picture: Die Woud

Why we love it: 

Die Woud is a “place where dreams are realised” with bridal couples saying “I do” under towering wattle trees and oak trees. The glass marquee is another gorgeous feature of this venue and is ideal for nature lovers as the natural elements form part of your wedding ceremony.

  • Location: N2, Myddleton, Caledon
  • Contact: 082 930 1688

Muratie Canvas

Picture: Muratie Canvas / Facebook

 

Why we love it: 

Located on the gorgeous Muratie Wine Estate, the venue offers a 20×20 space, beautiful views of Cape Town and a sprawling grass area for your guests to mingle. It’s a great option for bridal couples looking for an intimate setting which immerses guests in nature.

  • Location: Knorhoek Rd, Koelenhof, Stellenbosch
  • Contact: 082 744 9144

Feature Image: Muratie Wine Estate

We may have to suffer through load shedding and constantly increasing petrol prices on a regular basis, but one of the many things you can admire South Africa for is its natural beauty – a titbit that can be so important when shopping around for the perfect wedding venue.

From hosting a garden extravaganza to listening to the laughter of your guests against the backdrop of the wild African bush, there’s something for every bridal couple, especially in the province of Gauteng. Thankfully, there are a plethora of gorgeous wedding venues to choose from when saying “I do” in the rugged province of Gauteng. Here are a few of our favourites:

Oakfield Farm:

Location: Muldersdrift, Gauteng

With a splash of romance and a heap of old-fashioned hospitality, Oakfield Farm is an award-winning wedding venue that bridal couples can’t seem to get enough of – judging by the gorgeous backdrop – we understand why. The glass-clad wedding venue is nestled between towering trees within an English country garden, with visitors able to explore all that this area has to offer via the venue’s horse-drawn carriage – talk about going old school. Lush greenery provides the perfect opportunity for the perfect wedding pictures while tall glass walls and ceilings offer a great spot for couples to say “I do.”

Shepstone Gardens: 

Location: Magaliesburg, Gauteng

Bring the outdoors in with this enchanting space and its glass ceiling, offering a chance to breathe in romance as you say your “I dos” while the sky turns various hues of orange – now that’s one way to enjoy a sunset. The wedding venue also offers a chapel and grand hall for those looking to enjoy a more rustic approach, while the space includes the perfect spots for jaw-dropping wedding pictures.

The Stone Cellar: 

Location: Heidelberg, Gauteng

With the spine-tingling sounds of Mother Nature in the background, bridal couples have the opportunity to walk down the aisle of this space’s unique chapel, which was once a milking parlour. The chapel offers bridal couples a wonderful setting if you’re looking for simplicity at its finest – a minimalist’s dream, while the outdoor area offers a wooden frame and the grassy plains as its background – magical no matter which one you choose. The reception venue provides a beautiful combination between rustic and modern with glass, wood and screed finishes that stick to the minimalist theme. The space can seat 150!

Steynshoop Valley Lodge:

Location: Magaliesburg, Gauteng

Breathtaking. That’s one word used to describe this incredible venue. Begin the rest of your life together by walking into this venue’s sprawling thatched chapel and reception hall – perfect for seating 150 guests. There’s nothing wrong with being a hands-off bride and groom, allow the venue’s in-house specialists to handle all the nitty-gritty details of planning your big day – wedding cake and decor included!

The Kitchen L’antico Giardino  

Location: Sandton, Gauteng

You can never beat good food and this incredible venue has plenty of it. Allow your guests to relax under a canopy of trees while serving them the most delicious canapes – yum! The space can seat around 120 guests and offers a relaxing atmosphere for your guests to enjoy. An added bonus? The space also includes a gorgeous backdrop with the rugged landscape of Africa – the perfect spot for incredible wedding pictures.

Feature Picture: @anandiphotography

Glasshouse wedding venues ensure that you get the best of the outdoors while you have the comforts of being indoors. South Africa has some incredible wedding venues, particularly those on vineyards. However, the country boasts some stunning glasshouse venues too.

Here are four of our favourites:

Die Woud

Where: Caledon, in the Overberg Western Cape. About 113kms east of Cape Town’s city centre.

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This venue makes you feel as though you’re one with nature. The glasshouse is nestled between oak trees and wattle forests. From inside the venue you’ll hear the calming sounds of birds chirping from the trees and water running through a stream nearby. A perfect location to ensure a relaxed and classy wedding day.

Accommodating 140 guests, and offering both indoor and outdoor facilities, there is not much more you could ask for of this venue.

Burkleigh House

Where: 327 Pine Ave, Ferndale, Randburg, 2194

 

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This venue is perfect for a smaller, more intimate wedding. The roofed glasshouse conservatory was completed in February of this year, which means the venue is brand new and hardly been used! So you’ll be one of the first to have your wedding there.

The lush gardens which surround the venue are renowned and make for the most tranquil backdrop you could ever imagine.

Belair Pavilion

Where: Suid-Agter-Paarl Rd, 7624

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The roof may not be glass, but the glass walls allow for more than enough light to enter the venue. Situated on a country estate, the venue gives you class, nature, culture and more.

Belair Pavilion is surrounded by several wine estates, providing you with an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Positioned in the exquisite garden, the venue is covered in evergreen star jasmine. The view of the mountains from the garden ensures that you have a stunning backdrop for your nuptials.

The Conservatory 

Where: Klein Kastaiing, Happy Valley Road, Franschhoek, South Africa, Franschhoek, Cape Town, 7691

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This award-winning venue is set up between vineyards and oak trees and is on the bank of he Kastaiing River. The Conservatory floods with light and allows guests to enjoy the picturesque views of Franschhoek, as they sip their drinks and chat in the venue.

Image: Instagram / Die Woud 

There’s a new wedding destination for Gauteng brides and grooms to add to their wedding venue list. Emerald Resort & Casino are upping the ante by ensuring that you have the perfect wedding venue and allowing you to bring your Big Day to life.

“Emerald is the ultimate destination where the vision of your dream wedding will be brought to life.  We can customize your wedding with the traditions of your heritage and cater for a small intimate affair or create your fairy-tale wedding of up to1500 guests, all without leaving our complex. We are only 45 min from Johannesburg International Airport, on a private estate on the lush banks of the Vaal River”, says Tanuja Gangabishun, Marketing Executive at Emerald Resort and Casino. 

A 3 000 square meter Arena at Emerald offers the bridal couples a unique opportunity to host large weddings using round tables, while Kilimanjaro has a warm ambience for groups of up to 160 guests.

The Game Park Lapa is captivating and offers a gorgeous outdoor option, weather permitting. The other enchanting venue for an outdoor wedding is the Outdoor Chapel which can be set up in many different ways, catering for small or large groups. 

The venues are versatile and the setting offers beautiful locations for dramatic and spectacular photographs right there on complex.  Booking this premiere wedding destination means that the wedding party can enjoy all the before and after events on one complex.  There is no need to travel to enjoy a bachelor party of bridal shower, or entertain the guests.  The complex offers a wide variety of venues and entertainment. 

Complementing the selection of venues, Emerald offers several accommodation options to suit every taste and every budget, from 3-star, 4-star and 5-star offerings. There are a wide variety of activities available on the complex to keep everyone entertained while the bride is pampered and treated like the queen she is. 

Enjoy game drives, visit the Aquadome with its heated pools, or take a relaxing river cruise.  The bride can even plan a magical floating wedding on the Vaal River with Emerald Resort and Casino. 

“Weddings can be very complex and stressful for the happy couple, which is why we have put together several packages with a specialist in the industry, Farzana Mayet rom Panache International. It is a rare opportunity to be able to work with a professional like Farzana,” says Tanuja Gangabishun, Marketing Executive at Emerald Resort and Casino. 

Tailor-made packages are available which can include arrangements for the bridal shower and bachelor party at Emerald, Mehndi night function, and the wedding day with an array of Halaal food and catering, entertainment, photographer and videographer etc.  

Optional extras such as a Mehndi artist, Qawali singer, and make-up artist and wedding cakes can also be included.  

Allow the team to tailor a wedding experience to meet your requirements. 

Contact Farzana on 072 174 0896 or email [email protected] 

Picture/s: Emerald Resort & Casino

There’s something magical about a beautifully lit space filled with towering trees and the smell of pine. Nature always has a way of calming the mind and rejuvenating the soul, so it’s no surprise that basking in the glow of a few sparkly fairy lights and the delights of Mother Nature makes for an incredible wedding venue.

There is an array of mesmerising wedding spots in South Africa that make for the perfect forest wedding. If you’re in love with the idea of donning your bohemian wedding dress, grabbing your groom and getting married while being surrounded by a sea of tall trees, here are a few incredible forest wedding venues around South Africa to add to your list:

Die Woud – Caledon, Western Cape

 

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The Forest Walk Venue – Johannesburg, Gauteng

Smitsfield Farm Venue – Lothair, Mpumalanga

 

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Winery Road Forest – Cape Winelands, Western Cape

De Uijlenes – Overberg, Western Cape 

Beloftebos – Stanford, Western Cape 

Picture: Instagram Bridgette Wuest

 

Hear the distant roars of wild lions while watching the blazing African sunset at none other than Limpopo’s finest Abelana Game Reserve — the perfect place to escape the bustle of everyday life and dive into a little romance.

2020 was a tough year for the travel industry, and many love birds had to put their wedding day on hold. But now, all that’s left to focus on is a whole lot of love as couples across the world get ready to say “I do”.

It’s time for love to take center stage and there’s no better way to celebrate than at one of the most gorgeous locations in South Africa.

Welcome to Abelana Game Reserve…

A history of union with Abelana Game Reserve’s first bush wedding: 

Situated on 15 000 hectares of pure unadulterated beauty, Abelana welcomed their first bride and groom on the scenic Malati Weir.

An intimate, mid-afternoon gathering saw no more than 42 guests come together in celebration of the couple, who said yes to forever with panoramic views overlooking the Selati River, which only enhanced the already magical moment. 

The dinner reception was a classic-chic affair hosted at the Abelana River Lodge with not much of the lodge altered in terms of decor — raw beauty. A beaming bride and groom ensured that Abelana’s first bush wedding was the perfect African-ever-after. 

Saying “I do” at Abelana Game Reserve 

There’s something uniquely indescribable about being serenaded by the sounds of the bushveld, and Abelana is hoping to bring boatloads of African ambience to your wedding day.

Located just a 5 hours drive from Johannesburg, the luxury lodge is now launching its bespoke wedding package to the public. The perfect bushveld wedding is not only available but accessible to brides and grooms ready to tie the knot. 

Thanks to Abelana Game Reserve, Limpopo’s burnt skies and natural brilliance are just a booking way from becoming your wedding reality.

Couples can expect only the best service from the Abelana team with wedding packages including, but not limited to: 

  • A dedicated team was allocated to attend to the bride and groom on the wedding day 
  • A complimentary Abelana wedding cake  
  • A romantic turndown 
  • Luxurious king-suite accommodation for up to 40 overnight guests
  • All standard accommodation inclusions apply to overnight guests, such as meals and game viewing activities

COVID-19 has played a big part in wedding plans, but an intimate bush wedding still remains an attractive prospect for couples who are considering the implications of the pandemic.

COVID precautions are the lodge’s top priority and nothing beats naturally wide-open spaces, fresh air, and ample room for social distancing that’s offered when choosing to book your wedding here. 

 

Abelana River Lodge follows stringent protocols to protect tourists, wedding guests and staff, including: 

  • Guest temperatures are scanned on arrival at the reserve gate, and each guest completes a contact-tracing and general wellness form.
  • Staff temperatures and wellness are assessed and recorded on a daily basis.
  • All staff are required to wear a mask at all times, and to sanitise their hands frequently.
  • Guests are required to wear their masks in the lodge’s indoor public areas.
  • All suites are rested between guest stays.
  • Hand sanitising stations are positioned at all entrances to the lodge and hand sanitiser supply is available on each game viewing vehicle.
  • All surfaces are wiped down with sanitiser on a regular basis, and game viewing vehicles are wiped down between each game drive.

So, what are a few things that brides and grooms-to-be should consider when planning their “safari wedding?” 

“Wedding couples should be passionate about nature, animals and bush life. Don’t be too attached to the timing of your big day. Out here, we could run into any number of situations that could delay the whole itinerary. We encounter roadblocks – not the city kind – and detours created by fallen trees and wildlife. We may put a plan in place, but when you come face-to-face with a breeding herd of elephants, we wait; you wait – everyone waits. It’s part of the magic,” says Natalie Roberts, assistant lodge manager. 

Ready to book the venue of your dreams and say “I do” while immersed in nature? 

For more information on the lodge and its wedding packages, please contact Bryan West at 061 952 4302 or [email protected]

Pictures: Abelana Game Reserve

There is no end to South Africa’s beauty. The country is blessed with stunning natural scenery from coast and mountains to the bustling city and relaxing Cape Winelands.

If you’re on the market for your dream venue, look no further. We’ve compiled some of our favourite locations across the country that will be the perfect backdrop to your big day

Blaauklippen

Down to earth with a rich history and winemaking tradition, Blaauwklippen is one of the oldest wine farms in Stellenbosch. Pick from the Manor House Lawn, Manor House Terrace, the Greenhouse and The Cathedral for your big day.

Visit their website for more info HERE.

Le Jardin Villa

 

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Old-world charm and elegant heritage awaits you at Le Jardin Villa in Stellenbosch. Take a step back in time into romance and wonder at Le Grand Jardin’s Looking Glasshouse. A giant tree stands in the centre of the glasshouse, giving you the ultimate ‘Secret Garden’ atmosphere.

Visit their website for more info HERE.

Lace on Timber

 

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This award-winning venue is truly a masterpiece to behold. Set between luscious and natural forests on the edge of Cullinan, Lace on Timber perfectly pairs french industrial details with romantic finishes.

Visit their website for more info HERE.

Shepstone Gardens

A fairytale setting in the heart of Johannesburg, Shepstone Gardens mixes old-world glamour with modern finishes to give you the best of both worlds. On the grounds are an on-site chapel, a glass marquee, and a grand hall. The on-site chapel has intricate stone walls, large stained-glass windows and a stunning glass roof that screams opulence and whimsy.

Visit their website for more info HERE.

La Paris Estate

 

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Go for glamour at La Paris Estate in Stellenbosch. From the marbled floor and antique chandeliers to the regal wine tanks surrounding the estate, this location is guaranteed to take your guests’ breaths away.

Visit their website for more info HERE.

Bosjes

 

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At the foot of the Waaihoek Mountain, situated in the beautiful Breede Valley lies Bosjes, a working Cape Dutch farm meets hotel and bistro. The glass-walled chapel features a unique curved roof, making it appear as if the building rests on the body of water.

Visit their website for more info HERE.

Picture: Pexels